Forest and Bird walking out of the Land and Water Forum (the Forum) is yet another sign that Nick Smith's river rebranding exercise has done more harm than good for freshwater in New Zealand, the Green Party said today.
Forest and Bird announced today it would withdraw from the Forum because the Government's proposed freshwater standards largely ignore the consensus recommendation of the Forum.
"Instead of unifying New Zealanders around protecting our rivers and lakes, Nick Smith's water policy risks further widening divisions between farmers and irrigators and environmental groups," said Green Party water spokesperson Catherine Delahunty.
“If we are going to clean up our rivers we need all New Zealanders on board. National can’t keep side-lining people and groups it disagrees with – that’s not the way science works.
“Farmers, environmental groups, iwi and others worked incredibly hard over the last nine years to find common ground and solutions to the freshwater crisis. Nick Smith has undermined their work by ignoring their consensus recommendations on fresh water.
“New Zealanders want to be able to swim in their rivers again and trust the water coming out of their tap. They need a government that listens to all New Zealanders, not just their mates.
“The idea behind the Forum was a good one – bringing together stakeholders from both the commercial and environmental sides. But it became redundant once National started cherry picking recommendations.
“The Forum has also been compromised by a mandate focused more squarely on water use for short-term profit, rather than long-term sustainability,” Ms Delahunty said.
Latest Environment Announcements
Story
$30m for school drinking water safety is a start but pollution keeps flowing
Story
“End of an era” as Government law change disestablishes Ministry for the Environment
Story
NZ democracy at risk of corporate corruption - Green Party backs urgent inquiry
Story
Action needed on widespread drinking water problems
Story
9,000 students faced unsafe drinking water at school last year
Story
Fast-track Decision Looms on Destructive Waitaha Hydro Scheme
Latest Water Announcements
Story
Greenpeace nitrates research proves need for strong freshwater regulation
Story
Three waters rebrand insufficient
Story
Freshwater crisis needs stronger government action
Story
Changes needed to three waters plans
Story
National reckless on rivers
